Integrated Crime Information System (cont’d)
LAW ENFORCEMENT Agencies in many parts of the world have embraced innovative ways that allow  for real time access to information for crime fighting and public safety. Information technology, as applied in many other arenas, leads the way in crime fighting in many parts of the world. This is particularly important, given the nature of global and cross-border criminal activities.
The Government of Guyana, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank has undertaken the reform and transformation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This is a key element of the Citizen Security Programme which will see it migrate from an incident-driven reactive institution to one that relies on analysis of patterns , incidents and problems.
The design, development, and implementation of an Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS) is a major initiative of this reform. It will assist the Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to create an enabling environment wherein, comprehensive, up to date crime-related information is readily available and shared through the use of modern technology.
As a firm believer in technology, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said such a database could track and analyse crime trends and data instead of waiting for paper reports to be collated. It will deliver information quickly to help speed up criminal investigations. He pointed out further, that while many may harbour reservations and doubts on this activity, the benefits and results far outweigh them.
The introduction of this technology in Guyana is beginning to bear fruit. A comparison of criminal activities and statistics over recent time has shown a significant reduction, and officials are certain that the ICIS is playing a major role. This is an ongoing process that will realise greater results, especially with features that include biometrics details.
Some more sophisticated and endowed societies have embarked on wireless computer systems for patrol vehicles, video surveillance cameras in high crime-areas and for citizens to report crime via text. From all indications, Guyana is heading in this direction with its ICIS initiative. 
The introduction and application of Guyana’s ICIS has been as a result of extensive research and training by the internationally-recognised BrainStreet Group and its integrated element is not confined to the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs, but other agencies within the country that such information is needed.
In next week’s column, we will examine how this information gathering and sharing is used by other agencies and departments.